Reinforced concrete is one of the strongest construction materials known to man. Most people assume steel rebar is the best choice for reinforcing concrete. While steel is the most common choice, fiberglass rebar is emerging as a superior alternative for many applications. But why are modern builders turning to fiberglass over steel? Read on to learn more.
The Advantages of Fiberglass Rebar Over Steel
Fiberglass is Corrosion-Resistant
Unlike steel, fiberglass is naturally corrosion-resistant. Steel can rust when exposed to moisture, chemicals, salt, and other environmental conditions. That gives fiberglass a significant advantage for real-world applications, especially in coastal environments where conditions are harsher. It can also make fiberglass a better choice for industrial structures like chemical plants. Using fiberglass can extend the lifespan of the structure and reduce maintenance.
A Lighter Material
Another advantage of fiberglass is that it is significantly lighter than steel. If you compare our MST-BAR to steel, it is four times lighter. This reduced weight offers several advantages on construction sites, including easier handling, faster installation, and less physical strain on workers. Our MST-BAR takes half the time to install and half the workers for similar applications. That means speedier project timelines and lower labor costs. The reduced weight also makes it easier and cheaper to transport.
Enhanced Strength
Strength is another area where fiberglass rebar outperforms steel. MST-BAR has three times the tensile strength of traditional steel rebar. This superior strength allows fiberglass to perform better in concrete structures that experience significant stress. Additionally, fiberglass rebar offers excellent compressive strength, ensuring it can handle heavy loads. MST-BAR also has 20x the fatigue resistance of steel rebar. Despite its strength, fiberglass remains flexible, absorbing impact and energy, which is crucial for disaster-resistant construction.
Less Thermal Expansion
Fiberglass experiences less thermal expansion than steel. That means it expands and contracts less with changing temperatures. Excessive thermal expansion can increase risks of cracking, warping, and structural damage over time. That means choosing fiberglass reduces stress on concrete, saves on maintenance, and increases the lifespan of structures. It also makes fiberglass a good choice for outdoor applications and environments that experience significant temperature fluctuations.
Construction Applications
Fiberglass rebar is versatile and suitable for most applications. Builders and designers can use it for everything from home foundations to large industrial buildings. It can also be great for swimming pool construction, parking lots and garages, bridge decks, balconies, seawalls, highways, and more. It is prevalent in ICF construction, where builders value the lightweight, strong design.
Do you want to learn more about fiberglass rebar or insulated concrete forms? Click here to contact the team from SuperForm. Our innovative products outperform the competition in several ways. Reach out now to learn more about the benefits of SuperForm ICFs and MST-BAR.
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